#casting uk

We're still casting for MTV Catfish UK! Don't hesitate to get in touch, whether you're suspicious or you are finally ready to come clean - we want to hear from you!

A Case of Speed Over Quality.

By KyriSaphiris

As any actor will know, most castings tend to be over in a flash. All the auditions I’ve attended in recent months have been over before you can say “Ross Kemp”. In my earlier days as an actor, I seem to remember auditions lasting longer, allowing time to repeat a scene two or three times and offer the casting panel an opportunity to see the portrayal of a character presented from alternative perspectives. This usually provided the foundation for a thorough audition process, a sense of satisfaction and, coupled with some time for questions and a chat at the end, an overall well rounded casting process. On the rare occasions when the audition lasted less time than it takes for me to open a bottle of beer I’d feel cheated and empty. I’d leave the audition thinking that I wasn’t what they were looking for and it would always turn out that I was right.

  But this has now become the norm. Maybe it’s something to do with the triple dip recession or whatever stage of economic decline we’re in at the moment; maybe production companies and casting directors can’t afford to book a casting studio for too long; maybe they’re in a rush to go to the pub. Or maybe it’s something else and maybe I actually know what it is.

  At the end of a recent casting session I discovered, through means I shall keep to myself for fear of being hunted down by someone with a nasty dog, that more than fifty (I know the exact figure but won’t disclose it for fear of … yes, nasty dog), that’s right, more than fifty actors were being seen for this one very small part with three lines of script. Let’s just do the mathematical calculations (“the math”, if you’re American): anyone good at ratios? It’s more than 50:1 which means you have a probability of securing the role at a figure of less than 2.0%. The whole casting process that day can be described as being sucked in and spewed right back out, like a chunk of donner meat that you suddenly realise tastes more like burnt rubber than seasoned, charcoal grilled lamb (because you forgot to get pissed first). It’s in and out without shaking it all about. It’s casting by numbers. It’s missing something vital.

  So now we (probably) know. The reason so many castings seem so abrupt is because those that arrange them arrange to see a huge number of artists. This in turn does not allow sufficient time for the casting to incorporate the scene being acted multiple times to portray a variation that might be useful for the casting panel to see. Neither does it give the actor time to adjust and show adequately, if at all, their skill and potential for the role. When you act a part, you have already learnt the lines, worked on the character, done your research, analysed the socio-psychological dimension of the part, the scene, the story and rehearsed. Now obviously you’re not going to do all that in an audition. Obviously! But you do need a few minutes to gain some understanding of the character and the part, to practice it with two or three takes whilst guided by the panel as to what they want and therefore to do justice to the audition for everyone’s benefit.

  So here is my plea: casting directors, please don’t just get everyone in to audition for your part! Take a bit more time to look at the résumés and/ or photos and videos and draw up an informed shortlist of those actors that you believe possess the potential suitability for your project. Less people to audition, who have been carefully selected, means more time for each audition, which in turn means a better quality and mutually more fulfilling audition process!

  If, next time I go to a casting, I find again that there are fifty-five actors being seen for that one role I am just going to walk out on principle! Whoops, did I say fifty-five?

Find Kyri here:

Kyri's Page Profile: https://www.thepageuk.com/index.php/actorhome_cv/cv/826

Kyris Blog: http://www.acting-blog.filmactor.co.uk/

His website: http://www.filmactor.co.uk/

We are launching our new feature today called Actors Working. It is a blog written by some of our lovely members.

The blog will chart their ups and downs in this roller-coaster ride profession.

We have given our bloggers Carte Blanche to talk openly about their experiences so it should make for an honest, frank & humorous feature. We hope you enjoy reading them as much as our bloggers enjoyed writing them.

Please show your appreciation and re-tweet and share these blogs, also you will find links to each authors online profiles at the bottom of each post where you can read more of their writing work or see them in acting action.

If you would like to write for us and be part of this great feature then just drop us a message on twitter @thepageuk.

Thanks and enjoy

Adam

Managing Director

We are proud to announce that we are supporting the inaugural Colchester Film Festival - @ColFilmFestival.

As part of the event we are holding a day of masterclasses for actors.

The Page UK's Managing Director Adam Piercy was interviewed by the guys at Act On This for their recent industry podcast, check it out.

"We caught up with Adam to find out just what the Job Board will be offering actors at launch, as well as what has gone into developing this latest online casting site.

During our time with Adam we looked at:

The idea behind the Page UK and how it came about.

What makes The Page UK unique.

How a page on The Page UK can showcase an actor in ways never before possible.

Creating a multi-media rich profile on The Page UK.

How The Page UK Job Board works and how it will develop.

How YOU can get your own page for FREE.

The future goals and aspirations of The Page UK.

"